Young journalists vie for honors in the annual DSPC

Around 220 young writers from the public and private schools in San Juan gathered at the San Juan Gymnasium for the Opening and Contest Proper on August 20, 2018 for the annual Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC). Students competed in the individual and group categories for both English and Filipino as they wrote articles that centered on this year’s theme, “Fostering 21st Century Skills and Character-based Education through Campus Journalism.”

In his inspirational message, OIC-SDS Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo emphasized the role of campus journalists in the current time. He said, “Campus journalism is a powerful venue to examine ourselves if we live up to the ideals expected of us as vanguards of truth and justice. The press conference that we have will prepare us to rekindle our moral sense in the spirit of friendly competition to flesh out insightful articles that can influence young minds in bringing them into action that is responsive and relevant to their issues.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Grace C. Pardines, the Public Information Officer of the City of San Juan, served as the Keynote Speaker who urged the young writers to persevere in their writing abilities as they develop their character to be critical thinkers and movers for their generation. She said, “Now more than ever is the proper time to be involved and observant of what is happening around us so you can contribute in the national discourse of our society. The pen is a powerful weapon to raise the level of consciousness of our people so we can have the kind of change we want for our country.”

The winners were recognized last August 24, 2018 at the SDO Conference Hall. The top seven winners in the different individual categories and the first place in the group categories will represent the Division in the regional levels come September in SDO Marikina. The list of winners can be seen at the Deped San Juan website. Moreover, the overall ranking of schools is yet to be announced on September 28, 2018 during the conduct of School Paper Festival.

For this year’s contest, DepEd San Juan was able to get the services of seasoned judges most of whom are respected practitioners in the field. Some of them are regular mainstay of the schools press conference who have likewise expressed intention to help in the cliniquing sessions set on the later part of September prior to the Regional Schools Press Conference. This was made possible through the generosity of the local government under the leadership of Mayor Guia G. Gomez whose love for the youth is expressed towards the solid support to the various programs, projects, and activities designed to enhance the capabilities of the young San Juanenos.